Chelsea’s young talent, Cole Palmer, has received his first call-up to the national team after shining in the Premier League this season.
During the preparation for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia, coach Gareth Southgate has added three new names to the squad: Palmer (Chelsea), Rico Lewis (Man City), and Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa).
Among them, Palmer stands out, having recently secured a 4-4 draw for Chelsea against Man City in the Premier League last weekend. Palmer developed through the Manchester City academy, playing 41 matches for the Etihad team and scoring six goals. However, in the summer of 2023, he moved to Chelsea to get more playing time. After joining for $50 million, Palmer played 11 matches, scored four goals, and contributed four assists to his new club.
The 21-year-old midfielder has also represented the England U21 team 15 times, scoring four goals. Palmer played a key role in helping the England U21 team win the UEFA U21 Championship last summer by defeating Spain in the final.
Palmer and Rico Lewis have been called up to the national team partly due to the injury crisis affecting the Three Lions. Attacking midfielder James Maddison cannot join this time, while Jude Bellingham is included despite not being in the best physical condition.
Lewis, only 18 years old, has played 10 matches across all competitions for Man City this season. Defender Konsa has played a significant role in Aston Villa’s success in the Premier League, securing the fifth position. The 26-year-old player will compete with Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), and Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan) for a starting position in the England national team’s defense.
Raheem Sterling has not been recalled to the national team in the attacking department despite his recent excellent form. The Chelsea striker has played only 150 minutes for the Three Lions in the past 12 months. On the wings, coach Southgate prioritizes Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Jarrod Bowen.
England has already secured a place in Euro 2024. In the Euro 2024 qualifying Group C, Southgate’s team will face Malta at Wembley on November 17 before playing away against North Macedonia three days later.
England squad for November:
Goalkeepers:Â Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Defender:Â Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Rico Lewis (Manchester City)
Midfielders:Â Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Al-Ettifaq), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Forwards:Â Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).
